“How serious is ADHD?”
My son is 15 years old and he was diagnosed with ADHD. How serious is ADHD?
9 Answers
It is not serious with appropriate therapy.
It is important to know which difficulties your son was having that led to someone giving him the diagnosis of ADHD. Despite the many claims of experts, there is no genetic or biological basis for difficulties with attention. Once a pattern has been elucidated and become clear, it is usually possible to devise strategies that will help the person involved. Often, the child or teenager needs help in organizing their work and in focusing on it. Once they begin to experience mastery and agency, the difficulties usually can be overcome.
It is necessary to know the diagnosis. But it is NOT a sentence of doom! Some of the most famous accomplished scientists - whom I know personally - have this learning issue. Adapting learning situations isn’t so hard. Schools have extensive experience in 2020 — this diagnosis will help your son get what he needs.
Peace, and good luck,
Dr. Marian K Shapiro
Peace, and good luck,
Dr. Marian K Shapiro
This answer is for informational purposes only and is not treatment.
ADHD varies a lot between different people and different situations. Some folks have a mild to moderate presentation and mainly notice having a hard time getting organized or sticking with things they find boring.
Others are more severe and may have a hard time being still in almost any setting or can't pay attention or stay organized to even do things they really enjoy. The impacts of untreated ADHD can be relatively serious. Research shows increased risks of poor school performance, impacts on making/keeping friends, and less stable work history.
Research also shows there are some really effective medical and psychotherapy interventions for people who want to seek help if they find the ADHD really limits their life.
ADHD varies a lot between different people and different situations. Some folks have a mild to moderate presentation and mainly notice having a hard time getting organized or sticking with things they find boring.
Others are more severe and may have a hard time being still in almost any setting or can't pay attention or stay organized to even do things they really enjoy. The impacts of untreated ADHD can be relatively serious. Research shows increased risks of poor school performance, impacts on making/keeping friends, and less stable work history.
Research also shows there are some really effective medical and psychotherapy interventions for people who want to seek help if they find the ADHD really limits their life.
Hi,
Thank you for your question. ADHD is a condition that can be managed effectively with appropriate supports in place, including, but not limited to: individual therapy for your son, parenting support for yourself, medication as prescribed by a doctor, and accommodations from his school to help him succeed academically.
I hope this has been helpful!
Best,
Jenna Torres, PsyD
Thank you for your question. ADHD is a condition that can be managed effectively with appropriate supports in place, including, but not limited to: individual therapy for your son, parenting support for yourself, medication as prescribed by a doctor, and accommodations from his school to help him succeed academically.
I hope this has been helpful!
Best,
Jenna Torres, PsyD
It is not serious in the case of health risks. It may take some time to figure out what best works for him and how he is able to concentrate and cope with things, but it just means a different way of learning.
Sara Cole, MS, LPC, CAC III, NCC
Sara Cole, MS, LPC, CAC III, NCC
Hello and thank you for your question,
ADHD is a serious mental health condition that can lead to struggles in school and employment. Often, ADHD is treated with medication when the child is falling behind or struggling in school. There are some contraindications with starting medication in adolescence so it is up to the parent and physician to identify what is best for the child. Some physicians recommend therapy instead of medication to see if learning skills prevents the need for medication.
Thank you,
Patricia Harris | MA, LPC
ADHD is a serious mental health condition that can lead to struggles in school and employment. Often, ADHD is treated with medication when the child is falling behind or struggling in school. There are some contraindications with starting medication in adolescence so it is up to the parent and physician to identify what is best for the child. Some physicians recommend therapy instead of medication to see if learning skills prevents the need for medication.
Thank you,
Patricia Harris | MA, LPC
It depends on your son’s presentation, behaviors, interactions, school performance, social skills, etc. This is a very specific question that cannot be answered without a person who has been able to observe him, interact with your son and acquire all the ancillary data to put together his specific story and prognosis.
Take a peak that this link:
https://www.sharecare.com/health/add-adhd/is-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder
Also:
https://psychcentral.com/blog/9-myths-misconceptions-and-stereotypes-about-adhd/
https://www.sharecare.com/health/add-adhd/is-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder
Also:
https://psychcentral.com/blog/9-myths-misconceptions-and-stereotypes-about-adhd/
